The Donald and Arlene Wollenweber Memorial Scholarship has been established through the Southeast Missouri University Foundation.
Steve and Judy Schneider of Jackson, Missouri, and Ruth and Randy Kent of Centralia, Illinois, created the endowed scholarship in memory of Judy and Ruths parents.
The renewable scholarship will be awarded to a Southeast student majoring in accounting, agriculture or agribusiness with a minimum 2.75 grade point average and financial need. First preference will go to recipients from the Illinois counties of Clinton, Marion or Washington, with second preference to students from southeast Missouri. The University Scholarship Committee will select the recipient.
Donald W. Wollenweber was born in Centralia, Illinois, to William A. and Alma M. (Koelmel) Wollenweber. Arlene Emma Wollenweber was born in Shattuc, Illinois, to August H. and Margaret R. (Otterbach) Hemminghaus. Don and Arlene lived most of their lives in the rural Shattuc area.
Don and Arlene were married on July 28, 1957 in Messiah Lutheran Church in Carlyle, Illinois, where they remained members. They had two daughters, Ruth and Judy.
Don was a farmer, and a member of the Ferrin Co-op Equity Exchange and Clinton County Farm Bureau. Arlene was involved in tax preparation for 35 years and worked alongside her husband on their familys farm.
Arlene was strong, independent and an inspiration to others. Her attention to detail was extraordinary and a blessing to those she helped. She was generous to all and was always grateful to all who showed kindness to her. She loved her family with great passion. Her children, grandchildren and sister and brother-in-law held a special place in her heart.
Arlene became an active member of Southeast Missouri University Foundations Presidents Council after helping to establish a scholarship in memory of her grandson, Jacob Schneider. She enjoyed meeting her scholarship recipients at the annual Scholarship Reception as well as attending the annual Copper Dome Dinners and Presidents Council events at Southeast.